Within the Georgia Basin, only about one-half of
one percent (0.5%) of the original mature Douglas-fir forest remains
and only six one-hundreds of one percent (0.06%) of the original
forest has been protected. [Cousens, 1998] “The number of people
living around the Strait is expected to double over the next two
decades. And with this increase in population comes pollution and
habitat loss.” [Butler]”

As a veteran tree deteriorates, it can support
up to 80 wildlife species including raptors, woodpeckers, and
amphibians. Loss of this habitat is a concern for many dependant
wildlife species. One of the most effective wildlife management
practices is to retain remaining wildlife habitat.

WiTS Wildlife Tree Monitors primarily monitor bald eagle nest trees.
There are over 2,500 eagle nest trees in the database for Vancouver
Island. WiTS is also gradually identifying and monitoring nest
trees of other species such as Red Tailed Hawk, Osprey, and Great
Horned Owl.

Because of their position at the top of the
avian food-chain, raptors are good barometers of environmental
change and overall ecosystem health. They typically require large
areas and healthy prey populations for survival. As such, measures
that conserve raptors can provide an umbrella of protection for many
other plant and animal species [Demarchi & Bentley, 2004].